Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Vibrant red and white swirls create a stunning visual appeal.
• Easy to make with basic pantry ingredients.
• A buttery, moist texture that melts in your mouth.
• Customizable with sprinkles and other decorations for extra flair.
• A perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Red and white food coloring
• 1 ½ cups buttercream frosting
• Red and white sprinkles (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly into two bowls. Tint one portion with red food coloring.
6. Pour alternating layers of red and white batter into the prepared pan. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl for a marble effect.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
8. Once cooled, frost the cake with buttercream frosting and decorate with red and white sprinkles, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8–10 slices
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Twist: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the red batter for a chocolatey touch.
• Layer Cake: Double the recipe to create a layered Santa cake. Stack layers with buttercream between them.
• Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of almond or peppermint extract for a festive flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
• Sprinkle Fun: Use holiday-themed sprinkles like snowflakes or stars.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the frosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
• Reheating: To enjoy a warm slice, microwave individual portions for 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost them on the day of serving.

2. What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of 1 cup milk and 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice.

3. Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?

Absolutely! Gel food coloring works great and often provides more vibrant colors.

4. How do I ensure my cake is moist?

Do not overmix the batter and avoid overbaking. Using buttermilk also helps keep the cake moist.

5. Can I use a bundt pan instead of a round cake pan?

Yes, but adjust the baking time as bundt pans often require longer baking.

6. What frosting works best for this cake?

Buttercream is classic, but cream cheese frosting also pairs wonderfully.

7. Can I add decorations other than sprinkles?

Of course! Try candy canes, edible glitter, or small Santa figurines for a festive touch.

8. How do I create even swirls in the batter?

Use a skewer or butter knife and make slow, gentle swirling motions to achieve a marble effect.

9. Can I make this cake without eggs?

Yes, replace eggs with unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg substitute.

10. What’s the best way to serve this cake?

Serve it as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Conclusion

This Santa Claus Cake is a delightful way to bring festive cheer to your holiday celebrations. With its eye-catching swirls and delectable flavor, it’s a dessert everyone will adore. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple to follow and yields fantastic results. Serve it at your next Christmas gathering and watch it become a favorite holiday tradition.